Hyderabad Cybercrime Police Arrest 74 People in Nationwide Ghost SIM Racket Crackdown

The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police arrested 74 individuals from across India in May 2026 during a coordinated crackdown on cybercriminals, which included dismantling a massive nationwide Ghost SIM card racket. The extensive police operation resulted in the registration of dozens of cases and the recovery of lakhs of rupees for victims of online fraud.

A primary focus of the May crackdown was 'Operation Octopus 3.0.' This targeted police initiative specifically zeroed in on a nationwide Ghost SIM racket that has been widely used to facilitate various digital crimes. According to officials, these SIM cards were utilized in cyber frauds, sextortion, digital arrest scams, and other complex financial crimes.

Out of the 74 total arrests made by the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police during the month, 66 individuals were directly linked to the Ghost SIM racket. The arrested suspects included SIM card holders, agents, and suppliers who were operating across 13 different states, highlighting the nationwide scale of the illegal network.

In addition to the arrests, authorities registered 54 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with various cyber offences in May 2026. These cases were officially registered following complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

The Cybercrime Police also achieved significant financial recoveries for victims during this period. A total of Rs 68.27 lakh was recovered in connection with 25 cybercrime cases. These cases primarily involved fraudulent investment schemes, trading scams, and online impersonation frauds.

Simultaneously, active cyber patrolling by the police department led to a major cleanup of illegal digital content. Officers identified and successfully removed 251 social media profiles and 304 advertisements that were actively promoting illegal betting and deceptive investment opportunities.

Following the extensive crackdown, Hyderabad police officials have urged the public to remain highly alert against evolving online threats. Authorities advised citizens to immediately report any cybercrime incidents or suspicious digital activities through the dedicated 1930 helpline or via the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.